Abstract
Our aim was to compare the ambient temperature thresholds for warm thermal discomfort, thermal unacceptability, and preference for cooler environment between post- and pre-menopausal women at different metabolic rates. A total of 38 women (15 pre-menopausal (46 ± 5 years); 23 post-menopausal (55 ± 3 years)), completed up to 3 experimental trials at different metabolic rates (1.2 MET, 1.8 MET, 2.5 MET) generated by intermittent stepping throughout an air temperature ramp protocol. Ambient air temperature thresholds for warm thermal discomfort (thermal sensation rating of +1.5), warm thermal unacceptability, and a preference for a cooler environment, were determined. Skin temperature at 12 points was measured throughout. While a higher metabolic rate yielded a lower air temperature threshold for warm thermal discomfort (P < 0.001), there was no difference (P = 0.61) between pre-menopausal (28.7 ± 2.3 °C) and post-menopausal (28.5 ± 2.4 °C) women, irrespective of metabolic rate. The threshold of thermal unacceptability and the temperature at which a preference to be cooler was expressed were decreased by 1 °C, regardless of metabolic rate in post-menopausal women (P = 0.021; P = 0.049). Mean body Tsk at the thresholds for warm thermal discomfort, thermal unacceptability, and preference for cooler temperature (all P > 0.05) did not differ between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. However, the forehead Tsk thresholds for thermal unacceptability (pre-menopausal: 34.5 ± 1.1 °C; post-menopausal: 33.9 ± 1.2 °C; P = 0.005) and preference for cooler temperature (pre-menopausal: 34.2 ± 1.2 °C; post-menopausal: 33.7 ± 1.3 °C; P = 0.025) were lower in post-menopausal women. These data indicate that while the temperature threshold for warm thermal discomfort is unaltered by menopause status, post-menopausal women report an environment to be unacceptably warm, and express a preference for a cooler temperature, at a lower ambient and forehead skin temperature.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 110421 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-8 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Building and Environment |
| Volume | 239 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jul 2023 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to acknowledge the Shop, Distributive, and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) for funding this study, and Jane Lui and Katie Biddlestone from the SDA for their assistance.
Funding Information:
This work was supported by the Shop, Distributive, and Allied Employees Association (SDA) . The funding body was involved in the initial conceptualization of this research project, while also providing assistance with participant recruitment, clothing ensemble provisions, and compensation for participants. The funding body was not involved in the subsequent data collection, analyses, interpretation, or manuscript preparation for publication.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023